“I Felt Right at Home in Mannheim”

What brought you to the University of Mannheim?

I completed my bachelor's degree in Psychology at the University of Ulm. However, I already knew during my bachelor's degree that I would rather like to concentrate on Clinical Psychology instead of pursuing a master's degree without a specific focus, as is the case at the University of Ulm. I then came across the curriculum taught at the University of Mannheim and was immediately convinced by its practical relevance. The focus on Clinical Psychology offered in Mannheim was decisive for my choice.

What interests you about the subject of Psychology?

I've known since tenth grade that I wanted to study Psychology. Every single aspect of Psychology intrigues me. My main motivation for studying the subject was to understand how human beings function and how our thoughts, actions, and emotions are interrelated. I wanted to learn how mental disorders develop and which processes in the brain are involved. What was most important to me was to learn how to help people with mental illnesses through psychotherapy and how to encourage them to take care of themselves and foster capacity building. Therefore, I already knew during my bachelor's degree that I wanted to continue my training as a psychotherapist after completing my master's degree.

You already attended a German school in Alexandria. How did that come about?

I am quite frequently asked this question. It was very important to my parents that I get a good education and that I will have the chance to go abroad later. In Egypt, there are several private German schools that are founded and run by German school associations. These schools enjoy a very good reputation in Egypt, which is why my parents decided that I should complete my entire school career – from kindergarten to Abitur – at a German school. And so I ended up at the German school in Alexandria.

During the bachelor's and master's degrees that you pursued in Germany, you were granted a scholarship from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). Was it difficult to obtain a DAAD scholarship?

The DAAD awards particularly committed or high-achieving students with scholarships to finance their studies in Germany.
 When I was in twelfth grade, my teachers nominated me for the DAAD scholarship. I was very happy about that because I really wanted to go to Germany to study Psychology. In Egypt, there is no comparable degree program that includes clinical training. However, after I was nominated, it took a while until I was awarded the scholarship. The application process was also quite demanding for me, as I had to submit a letter of motivation right in the middle of my final exams at school. This was followed by an interview with nine competent people from the DAAD. I was just 18 years old at the time – and when I walked into the room, I was so nervous that my hands were shaking. But in May 2017, I received a notification that my application had been successful, which I was very happy about. Finally, in October 2017, I came to Germany.

How did your family react when they learned that you were going to study in Germany?

Actually, at first, my parents didn't want me to go abroad, even though they had sent me to a German school.
 When I was nominated for the scholarship, they were even shocked at first. But I told them that this was my only chance to pursue the degree of my dreams. Then, when I was granted the DAAD scholarship and my parents realized how much effort I had put into it, they encouraged me in my decision. They always believed that you should study or do what you are passionate about.

Now, you have almost finished your studies. Do you already know what you want to do after graduation?

I'm going to start my psychotherapeutic training in Ulm, where I live, on the first of October. I started my degree at the University of Mannheim during the coronavirus pandemic. When the university returned from online teaching to on-campus classes, I used to commute to Mannheim.

Do you feel any ties to the city of Mannheim, even though you've never lived here?

Definitely! On long lecture days, I used to have a few hours free between seminars where I could explore the city. So, I definitely feel a connection to Mannheim. I am also asked by many people if I have any negative associations with the city because I had a very stressful time during my master's program, especially with all the commuting on top of studying. But I don't have any negative feelings at all! The hands-on approach of my degree program and the great teachers really made my time worthwhile, and especially during my two-month internship at the Otto Selz Institute of Applied Psychology, I did not only learn a lot, but also made some wonderful friends.

I spent a great time in Mannheim full of unique experiences and extraordinary memories – not only of the university or the city. People are special here, they give you a feeling of togetherness. All interactions, be they with other students, teachers or colleagues, have always taken place at eye level. I felt right at home in Mannheim, even though I never spent more than a few hours here. That's why I have such a strong connection to the city, even though I've never lived here.

Text: Rheia Martiny  / Juli 2023